Cruise ship hits ice in Alaska

A cruise ship carrying almost 2,000 passengers has been damaged by solid ice while visiting Hubbard Glacier in Alaska (above).
Holland America Lines’ Westerdam was manoeuvring in Yakutat Bay earlier this week. It is not known whether high winds at the time contributed to the incident.
A HAL spokesperson said the ship’s hull received “a mild indentation” below the waterline. “The hull was not breached and the ship continued on its published itinerary.”
The ship sailed left Seattle on Saturday for the seven-day voyage, its first visit of the season to Alaska.
The US Coast Guard said the damage to the hull was 15 feet below the waterline. No injuries or pollution were reported. Officials met the ship when it reached Sitka, and cleared it to carry on sailing.
It is understood the ship will not need to be taken out of service for repairs.